Prenatal Massage

Benefits of Massage Therapy During Pregnancy: Reduces stress, promotes relaxation, facilitates transitions through emotional support and pyhsical nutruing. Reduces edema and blood pressure, relieves varicose veins, and increases blood and lymph circulation. Facilitates horomonal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, and other physiological processes during pregnancy. Reduces musculosketal strain and pain. Contributes to developing flexibility and the muscle awareness necessary to actively participate in the birth process. Fosters nuturing maternal touch. In Labour: Contributes to shorter, less painful labour. Reduces labour complications, medications, and interventions. Improves infant well-being. In the Postpartum period: Facilitates postpartum emotinal, pyhsiological, and family adjustments. Reduces musculoskeletal and organic pain. Promotes structual realignment of the spine and pelvis, and reorganization of movement. Contributes to rehabilitation of abdominal skin, muscles, and organs. Promotes recovery from cesarean birth, including healing of the incision. Relieves muscle strain caused by childcare activities. A typical massage session takes at least 60 minutes and can go up to 90 minutes. The mother will be supported with pillows as she lies on her side. She will be draped with a sheet and only the body part that is being worked will be exposed. It is best to avoid eating a large meal or drinking large amounts of liquid before the massage. It is always a good idea to let your OB/GYN know that you are going to have a massage.   ~ Nutruing Mothers to Be ~